After years of drought and over-pumping of groundwater, California saw its first increase in groundwater supplies in four years, with 4.1 million acre-feet of managed groundwater recharge in the water year ending in September. This increase was largely due to massive downpours that flooded rivers and packed mountains with snow. Groundwater supplies are crucial for growing fresh produce in California, so the increase in groundwater storage was a welcome development.
Efforts to capture water flows from melting snowpack and encourage farmers to flood fields to replenish groundwater basins were stepped up during last year’s rains. The state’s Department of Water Resources reported an 8.7 million acre-feet increase in groundwater storage, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to prepare for future wet years. California has been seeking to increase groundwater recharge, especially with the expectation of drier years due to climate change.
California’s population relies on groundwater for drinking water, and farmers in the state grow a significant portion of the country’s food using this precious resource. To ensure the sustainability of groundwater basins, local communities were required to measure and regulate groundwater pumping under state law. As some areas experienced land sinking due to over-pumping, the decrease in groundwater extraction in the last water year has led to a rebound in these areas.
Some farmers in California have noticed a recovery in their wells this year, prompting questions about the necessity of further cuts to groundwater pumping. Despite these positive changes, California water officials emphasized the need for continued efforts to boost groundwater storage levels. It would take five rainy years like the previous one to adequately replenish groundwater storage levels after years of over-pumping and drought.
Overall, the increase in groundwater supplies in California is a positive step towards sustainable water management in the state. However, continued efforts will be needed to ensure that groundwater basins remain sustainable in the face of climate change and increasing water demands. By working together at the local and state levels, California can protect its vital groundwater resources and maintain a reliable water supply for its residents and agricultural industry.
